You can withdraw money from other banks, but the method depends on whether you have a card, account, or relationship with that bank

Most banks let you withdraw cash from their ATMs if you use a card issued by another bank, though they may charge a fee of $2 to $5 per transaction. Some banks offer free withdrawals to customers of partner banks through shared networks. If you don't have a card at all, you can walk into a bank branch and ask the teller to cash a check, but the check must be drawn on that bank — meaning it has to be a check from an account at that bank. You cannot withdraw money from a bank's teller window just because you want to; the bank needs a reason to give you their cash, and that reason is usually a check or a card linked to their system.

The cost and convenience of withdrawing from another bank depend entirely on which method you use. An ATM withdrawal might cost $2 to $5. Cashing a check might cost $5 to $10. Using a shared network costs nothing. Knowing which option is available to you saves money and time.

Key Takeaways

  • ATM withdrawals from banks where you have no account usually cost $2 to $5 per transaction, charged by the ATM owner's bank.
  • Shared ATM networks like Allpoint, MoneyPass, and CO-OP let you withdraw free from thousands of ATMs across different banks and credit unions.
  • You can cash a check at any bank branch if the check is drawn on that bank, even without an account there.
  • Some banks waive ATM fees for customers of partner banks, so checking your bank's network before you travel or move can save money.
  • If you need cash and have no card, a check cashed at the issuing bank is usually your only option at a physical branch.

ATM withdrawals and out-of-network fees

When you use an ATM owned by a bank where you don't have an account, you pay an out-of-network fee. The fee comes from the bank that owns the ATM, not from your own bank — though your bank may also charge you a separate fee on top of that. Out-of-network ATM fees typically range from $2 to $5 per withdrawal, and they add up quickly if you withdraw multiple times a month.

Your own bank's fee policy depends on the institution. Some banks charge you nothing for out-of-network withdrawals; others charge $1 to $3 per transaction. Check your account agreement or call your bank's customer service line to find out what you'll pay. If you travel frequently or move to a new area, this fee structure can matter more than the interest rate on your savings account.

Shared ATM networks that waive fees

The easiest way to avoid out-of-network fees is to join a shared ATM network. These networks link banks and credit unions so their customers can use each other's ATMs without paying a fee. The three largest networks in the United States are Allpoint, MoneyPass, and CO-OP. Allpoint has over 55,000 ATMs worldwide; MoneyPass has roughly 40,000 in the U.S.; CO-OP has about 30,000 across credit unions.

Ask your bank or credit union which network it belongs to. If your bank is in one of these networks, you can use any ATM in that network without paying a fee. Some banks belong to multiple networks, which gives you even more free options. If your bank is not in a major network, it may have its own regional network or partnerships with specific other banks. These partnerships vary by state and by institution, so there is no single list that covers everywhere — you have to check with your bank directly.

Cashing checks at banks where you have no account

You can walk into any bank branch and ask to cash a check, but only if that check is drawn on that bank. A check drawn on Bank A can be cashed at Bank A's teller window by anyone, even someone with no account there. A check drawn on Bank A cannot be cashed at Bank B, no matter what. The bank that issued the check is the only one that can pull the money from the account it came from.

Some banks charge a fee to cash a check for a non-customer. This fee is usually $5 to $10 and is charged by the bank cashing the check, not by your bank. A few banks have stopped charging this fee in recent years, but most still do. Call ahead or ask at the teller window before you hand over the check. If the fee is high and you have a choice, you can deposit the check into your own bank account instead and withdraw the money from your own bank's ATM for free.

Getting cash without a card or check

If you have no card and no check, you cannot get cash from a bank teller at a bank where you have no account. Banks do not hand out cash to walk-in customers without a reason — a card, a check, or an account. Your options are to use an ATM (and pay the fee), visit a store that offers cash back with a debit card purchase, or ask a friend or family member to withdraw money from their account and give it to you.

Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores offer cash back when you buy something with a debit card, even if you have no account at any bank. This is often free or costs less than an ATM fee. Walmart, Target, and most supermarkets offer this service. You do need a debit card to use it, though. If you have neither a card nor access to a store, you will need to find another way to move money — a mobile payment app, a wire transfer, or borrowing from someone you trust.

Withdrawals at banks while traveling or after moving

If you are traveling to another state or country, check your bank's ATM network before you leave. Many banks have partnerships with banks in other regions or countries. For example, a bank in California might have a partnership with a bank in New York, so you can use that New York bank's ATMs for free. International travel is trickier — some U.S. banks have partnerships with banks overseas, but many do not. Call your bank before you travel internationally and ask which ATMs you can use without paying a fee.

If you are moving to a new state, you may want to switch banks entirely if your current bank has no ATMs in your new area. Alternatively, you can keep your current account and pay out-of-network fees, or you can open a second account at a local bank and use that for everyday withdrawals. Many people do this when they move — it is not uncommon to have accounts at two or three banks. The choice depends on how often you withdraw cash and whether you want to keep your original bank for other reasons.

Mobile payment apps and online banks

If you use a mobile payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App, you can transfer money to a friend's account or to your own bank account, then withdraw from your own bank's ATM. This does not let you withdraw from another bank directly, but it gives you another way to move money around without paying an out-of-network fee.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab often reimburse out-of-network ATM fees. If you use one of these banks, you can withdraw from any ATM and get the fee back automatically. This is not the same as using a shared network — you still pay the fee at the time of withdrawal, but your bank refunds it later. Check your online bank's fee policy to see if this applies to you. Some online banks reimburse all fees; others cap the reimbursement at a certain amount per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all banks charge fees for out-of-network ATM withdrawals?

No. Some banks charge nothing for out-of-network withdrawals, while others charge $1 to $5 per transaction. The bank that owns the ATM almost always charges a fee, but your own bank may or may not charge you an additional fee on top of that. Check your account agreement or call your bank to find out.

Can I withdraw money from a bank's ATM if I have a credit card from that bank?

A credit card does not work at an ATM for cash withdrawals in most cases. You need a debit card or an ATM card. Some credit cards offer cash advances at ATMs, but these come with high fees and interest charges. Stick to your debit card if you want to withdraw cash.

What happens if I try to cash a check at a bank that did not issue it?

The bank will refuse. They cannot cash a check drawn on another bank because they have no access to that account. You can deposit the check into your own account instead, or take it to the bank that issued it.

Are there banks with no ATM fees at all?

Some online banks and credit unions reimburse all out-of-network ATM fees, so you never pay. Others belong to large shared networks and offer free withdrawals at thousands of ATMs. The trade-off is usually lower interest rates or fewer physical branches. Compare what matters most to you before choosing a bank.

Can I withdraw money from another person's bank account?

No, unless you are an authorized user on that account or have power of attorney. Banks will not let you withdraw money from an account that is not yours. If you need to access someone else's money, you need legal authorization first.